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Mitchell Broz Obituary
Mitchell August BROZ Beloved husband, true friend and wise counselor, Mitch Broz passed away peacefully at Swedish Hospital in Seattle on April 4, 2007, following a long and courageous battle with melanoma. He was surrounded by several of the many family and friends to whom he devoted so much love during his brief but immensely full life. Born April 30, 1960 to Richard and Blanche Broz of Mercer Island, Mitch graduated with honor from Mercer Island High School, Georgetown University (summa cum laude) and the University of Washington School of Law (Order of the Coif). He was a partner in Mikkelborg Broz Wells & Fryer, the firm co-founded by his father in the 1960s. He became known within his firm, and throughout the Seattle legal community, as a man of strong intellect, impeccable ethics and an attorney to whom other attorneys naturally turned for advice. He was committed to this country, and was deeply concerned about its current approach to democracy, the environment, civil liberties and its involvement in war. From his study at Georgetown, he developed a lifelong interest in many Eastern philosophies, and in Zen Buddhism in particular. From Zen he received solace and a positive attitude toward life that supported him throughout his illness. Mitch will be remembered as someone who possessed remarkable sensitivity, as reflected by his gentle spirit. His love for the law was second only to that of his cherished wife, Sharon, his partner in life. They made a beautiful home together on Snoqualmie Ridge where they shared their enthusiasm for travel, gardening, Asian art, reading and history. Mitch was also a gifted and creative pianist with tremendous musicality, who was mostly self-taught. He played by ear and created his own compositions. He loved animals, was concerned for their welfare and was especially fond of cats. He also gave generously of his time to his community, through service as an officer in the Snoqualmie Valley Rotary Club and the Virginia V Board of Seattle. Mitch is survived by his wife, Sharon Christiansen Broz of Snoqualmie, his mother, Blanche Broz of Bellevue, his brother, Bill Broz of Newport Beach, California, and loving family, friends, colleagues and clients too numerous to count. A Memorial will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, May 17, 2007, at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Avenue SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Contributions may be made in memoriam to the American Melanoma Foundation or to the Humane Society for Seattle/King County.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mitchell Broz
Sally Lanham
April 9, 2019
He and Mary-Elizabeth fought cancer together. Dont let any let you believe he lost. He was a deliberate and thorough warrior. Quiet and brilliant. I was blessed to know him.
Colleen McGrath
November 27, 2007
November 27, 2007
This past year, I lost three good friends and I consider Mitch to be one of those.
I found Mitch through a childhood friend of his who happened to be a client of mine, as well as an attorney. When I mentioned to Mitch’s friend that I was going to need the services of an attorney who specialized in employment law, he recommended Mitch who I then immediately called.
Not only was Mitch a great attorney, he was a wonderful, caring and compassionate individual as well as a brilliant legal mind. He wasn’t about billing hours; he was about a fair resolution with the least financial as well as mental costs to his client. He made me feel that he empathized with me and cared about me.
In the course of the time he represented me in the legal matters, I came to think of him as a friend. He helped me prepare my own will, and that of my friend that passed away before him. I would talk to him from time to time when he had returned to work from various surgeries and treatments, and I was always so happy to hear his voice.
When my own legal battle was going full steam ahead, there was much vitriolic, chest thumping and saber rattling. At one point, the counsel for the opposing side apologized to Mitch for his client’s actions. Mitch just let it roll over him as par for the course. Mitch was always able to get me over the inevitable anger that comes up during legal maneuverings and focused on resolution. I won my legal battle, not by going to court, but by Mitch keeping me out of court.
I loved reading all of the other comments in the guest book that revealed so much more of his life than I had the opportunity to know from the limited personal contact I had with him. I offer my condolences to his wife Sharon, family and his many friends of many years. I know too well the dreaded feeling of that black void in your heart that you bear after Mitch’s untimely death.
When I think of Mitch’s passing too soon for his years, I recall the closing lines of the Robert Frost Poem “Stopping By the Woods on a Snowy Eve”
“the woods are lovely, dark and deep
but I have promises to keep
and miles to go before I sleep
and miles to go before I sleep.”
Mitch got every mile out of life that he could. He is sorely missed and will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Colleen Jane McGrath
Las Vegas, NV
Judith Keene Rosenblum
September 19, 2007
It was with great sadness that, on a whim I was looking online to see what had happened with my long ago great friend Mitch and was so surprised to find that he had passed away. What had initiated my looking into friends I had lost contact with was the death of a close friend's husband.
I went to Georgetown University and met Mitch in my very first class - of course one looking at the magic and mystery of religion. We became close friends and, while we were both incredibly young, I loved him. He was a sensitive, spiritual and wonderful human being who, I have no doubt, made an incredible attorney and loving husband.
Sharon, I know your path will be a difficult one and I hope that you walk carrying the joy you shared with your husband, while still knowing that it is your time to continue living and to create the next happy moments in your life.
My heart goes out to all Mitch's friends & family.
Carl Luer
May 18, 2007
I met Mitch shortly after we started law school in the Fall of '83. It quickly became clear that studying law came naturally for Mitch, but instead of just trying to advance himself, he always went out of his way to help the rest of us who didn't pick up on things as easily. Mitch helped make law school a far better experience for many of his classmates. Even back then it was clear that for Mitch a career in the law was not some academic exercise, but was about making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and colleagues.
Over the next few years Mitch became one of my closest friends. He was my first-year moot court partner. We spent several summer weekends backpacking in the North Cascades. And there were the many nights shooting pool and knocking back beers at the Eastlake Zoo. Those evenings usually ended with extended conversations about how to solve all of the world's problems. Somehow Mitch's ideas on those many subjects always seemed to make alot of sense -- even after a few pitchers.
I will miss Mitch and think of him often. But my sadness is tempered by knowing that he experienced and accomplished more in his 46 years than most people could in a hundred. Good bye, my friend.
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Rini Sulaiman
May 14, 2007
Sharon’s friend Penny tracked me down recently to share the shocking news. Mitch and I were sharing a house with 3 other students in Ravenna area for 3 years from 1983 to 1986. Since I moved away in 1997 I have lost touched with Sharon and Mitch. When I came back to Seattle in 2003 I wanted to get in touch but regretfully did not do soon enough. During those days, Mitch was great to be around with. We went through ups and downs, had fun and faced tragedy at the house on 21st Ave NE. Mitch managed to stay calm and always helpful. We had a lot of interesting discussions, trying to solve the world’s problem when we prepared meals and de-stressed from the academic life. He was a kind person generous towards friends. I wish Sharon all the strength and courage to cope with the loss. I love you both dearly.
Patty Baker
May 11, 2007
I knew Mitch through the Snoqualmie Valley Rotary Club. He was a good and generous man who always had time for everyone he met. He will be missed by everyone who knew & loved him, and we are each blessed and better for having him be part of our lives. Sharon, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Kissick
May 7, 2007
I was a fellow Snoqualmie Valley Rotarian with Mitch. Mitch accepted the position of Club President shortly after I joined in 2005. Mitch was willing to lead the way and was very generous with his time. Whether the task at hand was laying paver bricks for the park, picking up trash along the highway, or working hard at our annual golf tournament, Mitch was there contributing without complaint. Mitch fell ill before completing his presidency, but we all know he would have had a great year. Mitch was also willing to donate his legal expertise for the sake of Rotary. He made an offer to the club that he would prepare wills for any of our local Rotarians if they were willing to bequest $10,000 to the Rotary Foundation. I will remember Mitch as a generous man, with a strong love of his community.
Norma Petitt Small
April 28, 2007
Dear Mitch,
My contact with you has been infrequent but rewarding
The last time we were together was when I visited your mother, my sister. You were generous with your time,transporting me to and from the airport.
We enjoyed having dinner with you and Sharon and touring your lovely home and garden,
My heart breaks for Sharon and Blanche.
Love, Aunt Norma
Gina Broz
April 27, 2007
Dearest Mitch,
There's a lot that I'd like to say to you and about you - I could probably write volumes, but I think I'll reserve that for a little later. For now, I'll distill it down to one sentence.
I carry you in my heart.
All my love always, Gina
Barbara Crawford
April 22, 2007
My acquaintance with Mitch began when our eldest daughter was at Mercer Island Junior High School and continued as they went through Mercer Island High School together.
Their friendship was forged by being on Debate Team together. The Debate Team members of that era have remained close friends to this day.
A memory of Mitch is his coming to the house in a big old maroon car, to take Laura for a coffee at Denny's, at times when she was recovering from orthopedic surgery and feeling a little down. He brightened her days. He was always in his "uniform", dark trousers, white button-down shirt! I have never forgotten his kindness.
I was privileged to take Mitch to the Swedish Cancer Institute for a few of his radiation treatments. I had worked at the Cancer Institute and I was so proud to accompany this perfect gentleman to his appointments.
Driving to and from the Ridge with Mitch was a pleasure. We talked of many things that are important to us, namely the environment, family, his loving wife, Sharon, and the ability to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. He noticed everything: the clouds in the sky, the trees, the scenery.
I never heard him complain, I never heard him raise his voice or utter an unkind word.
Mitch was a gentle soul, we have been blessed to have know him and I will always remember him.
Gordy Graybeal
April 20, 2007
I was shocked to learn of Mitch's passing. I last saw him at my Mothers Memorial at Holy Trinity on Mercer Island. He had brought Blanche, who was a long time and dear friend of my Mom's.
Mitch and I were childhood friends, growing up on Mercer Island and playing together at each others houses as very young kids. Every time we would had the chance to talk over the last few years it really brought back all the memories from our childhood.
I remember Mitch as being highly intelligent, caring and very funny.
Sharon Broz
April 20, 2007
To everyone who has signed or who will sign this guest book: thank you so much for your loving tributes to Mitch. These days I am wandering through my house - cloudy days that I've termed soup and slipper days. As you can imagine, I am devestated. I am writing letters to Mitch, (suggested by the Swedish Hospital Chaplain - it is good threrapy) poems, and fragments of thoughts that concern him and especially his spiritual practice. Everyone at my workplace is hugely supportive and I am being allowed a generous amount of time to begin recovery. I hope to see you at the celebration of Mitch's life, May 17, 2:30 at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church.
Mary DeVuono Englund
April 20, 2007
Mitch's smile and hello brightened my days in Condon Hall, when we were in law school. The last time I saw him was downtown. Although he was in the midst of his struggle with his illness, he was not complaining, he was sharing his legal expertise with a colleague. Being a close friend of another member of Mitch's Mercer Island debate team, I was able to see Mitch express the true meaning of loyal friendship. Mitch’s spirit was kind, and that will live on in some way.
Mitch, Dick and Blanche at our wedding, August 18, 2001
Susan(Broz) and David Dykstra
April 19, 2007
Mitch was definitely "one of the good guys". We shall miss his warmth, his wisdom, his loyalty and his friendship.
He was a kind and loving person and our family and our lives were richer for having him in them. He will truly live in our hearts and memories forever.
Mitch,Dick and Blanche at our wedding August, 2001
Susan (Broz) and David Dykstra
April 19, 2007
Mitch was definitely "one of the good guys" of this world. We shall all miss him...his warmth, his wisdom, his loyalty, and his friendship. He was a kind and loving soul and a unique individual.
Our family and our lives were richer for having him in them and he will be truly missed!
Neal Cronic
April 19, 2007
When Mitch talked with a person, he would look into their eyes and devote his time to understanding that person at that moment.
Mitch enriched the lives of his friends, and his community. The world is a better place because of his time here.
Childhood memories now combine with the memory of a recent visit by Mitch with his some of his long-time friends at Bill's house. Not a single memory is tarnished, as Mitch lived life with dignity, compassion, and true values.
Katherine Winder (Gaston)
April 18, 2007
In debate Mitch had a wonderful mix of serious hardwork and off the cuff humor. I basically remember him always having a smile on his face, even if just a slight curl at the edge. I also was graced with seeing him in later years at the poker get together. Easy to feel regret for having fewer moments with Mitch, but I am blessed for the color he added to my life.
Corinne Rogers
April 18, 2007
All of those Christmases and Easters and family gatherings seem to have gone by so quickly. And yet there were so many things that I didn't know about Mitch - his attachment to Zen and Asian art, for example - that I would have liked to have explored. He was a Renissance man, a wise counselor, a trusted friend.
Mitch loved well, lived well, served others well. His was a life worth living. I'm only sorry it was way too short.
I will miss him and remember fondly all of those family gatherings with Mitch & Sharon, Bill & Gina, Aunt Blanche & Uncle Dick.
We have been blessed by Mitch's presence in our lives. And we will not forget him.
Our love to you, Bill & Gina, and especially to you, Sharon, whom he loved so very much.
Corinne, Joe, Aislin & Brogan
Bill Anschell
April 17, 2007
There are many things I admired and appreciated in Mitch; here are just a few that come to mind:
Mitch was honest, kind, sensitive and understated. He was closely attuned to the world around him; he made a point of being a positive force in both his immediate and more global surroundings. He treated others with respect and deference, though he was clearly an intellectual of major proportions.
It was always a pleasure to spend time with Mitch, and I only wish there had been more of it.
Laura Crawford
April 17, 2007
I last saw Mitch on March 2, 2007, a few hours after his radiation surgery. Although in pain,Mitch was treating the nurses with more kindness and patience, than I observe in most individuals at Starbucks ordering a latte.
Mitch had a wonderful and unique world view. He achieved "great things" and always had time to be a voice of justice for the "little person." For him, law was a way to serve others.
He often commented on the beauty and simplicity of flowers or the sky. He cherished his wife and treasured his family. As a friend, Mitch was loyal, dedicated and true.
He left behind a legacy of kindness and compassion and led by example.
I met Mitch in the eighth grade. We have been friends ever since, including sharing law school and work.
I feel so grateful for the gift of Mitch's friendship.
Fran Barrow
April 16, 2007
As the former Administrator of MBWF, I worked with Mitch for 9 years. He was a person who was highly respected and admired not just by his fellow attorneys but by staff members as well. Words that immediately come to mind are kind, patient, understanding, intelligent, a great conversationalist, and exceptionally courageous in the face of adversity. He touched the lives of all who knew him, and he will be missed.
My sincere sympathy to Sharon and all of the Broz family.
Keith Newman
April 16, 2007
I guess it's not surprising that Mitch and I were both born in 1960 -- I first met him in 1st grade at Island Park Elementary! Kind, calm, and cerebral, even then. Every few years I would get a brief opportunity to reconnect with Mitch at Bill Anschell's annual poker night. Very sad that there will be no more moments with Mitch, but I do have 40 years of memories to fall back upon. It helps.
Dale Murphy
April 16, 2007
Damn, he'll be missed. I'm at a loss for words. Zen teaches the folly of attachment to physical existence. But as mourning our loss of Mitch brings tears to my eyes, I'm reminded of the Zen (and Hillel) saying: "If not now, when?"
Nancy Slocum
April 16, 2007
Mitch was a wonderful person and a pleasure to work with. I was his legal assistant at Mikkelborg Broz Wells and Fryer for over four years and actually worked for his father and him both when I first started with the firm. Anyone who knew Mitch was richer for having that experience. He will be sorely missed. Good Bye Mitch.
Sally Lanham
April 16, 2007
We all loved him. He was a person that understood being present and was always available to those who needed a minute or another opinion. He had a special strength and love of being a lawyer but had lots of other great layers. He will be so missed in so many ways.
Bill Broz
April 16, 2007
Blessings to all of you who have provided so much wonderful support to our Mitch's family.
Here is a photo I hope you'll enjoy - a fairly recent candid of a happy, relaxed Mitch.
Jo Anne Morrison
April 14, 2007
I was very shocked and sorry to learn of the passing of Mitch, since I was not aware of his illness.
During the 1990's, I was Mitch's secretary when he was an associate at Mundt MacGregor. My memory of Mitch is that he was very kind, compassionate and personable, and a great boss.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Sharon and the rest of Mitch's family. I will keep you in my prayers.
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